Carabiner

A carabiner is a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate that opens and closes. In lead climbing and sport climbing, it is commonly used to connect the rope to protection points, such as quickdraws or anchors. Climbers clip the rope through the carabiner to manage safety. Carabiners are made from aluminum or steel and come in various shapes like D-shaped, oval, and pear-shaped. They are vital for secure climbing and are designed to withstand significant loads.

Examples

In lead climbing and sports climbing, a climber often relies on carabiners to connect the rope to protection points on the route. Climbers typically use quickdraws, which consist of two carabiners connected by a strong, sewn webbing. One carabiner clips to a bolt embedded in the rock, while the other clips to the climber’s rope. Carabiners can also be part of belay devices, where a locking carabiner secures the belay device to the harness. In high-stress situations or during long routes, the strength and reliability of the carabiner become crucial for the climber's safety.